Ida In Beacon :: Retail Therapy Guide 9-3-2021
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HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
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MTA Suspends Weekend Train Service On Hudson Line, Which Includes Beacon Stop
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MTA service is suspended on the Hudson Line, which includes the Beacon stop, as well as Wassaic, Danbury, New Canaan, and other service changes.
Photo Credit: MTA website
As first announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, and first reported by the Highlands Current (which it looks like they squeezed in before their usual tight Thursday print deadline), the MTA suspended service on the Hudson Line (which goes to Beacon) on Thursday, and into the weekend, due to damages along the track from Hurricane Ida. The MTA is hopeful to restore limited service next week.
The MTA’s Deputy Communications Director Renee Price confirmed with A Little Beacon Blog: “Service is suspended on the Hudson Line this weekend. Crews are working toward establishing limited service early next week.”
MTA service is also suspended on the Hudson Line, which includes the Beacon stop, as well as Wassaic, Danbury, New Canaan, and other service changes.
Money Might Be Available To Residents & Businesses Impacted By Hurricane Ida In Dutchess County From FEMA - Preparation Steps
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The Fishkill Creek rushing through Beacon. The creek rose very high and caused damage throughout Beacon and Fishkill.
Photo Credit: Screenshot from Michael Post’s video.
On Friday afternoon via press release, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro encouraged local residents, businesses and municipalities that sustained damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ida to document their loss and reconstruction. His office said that Dutchess County is currently working with the New York State Office of Emergency Management as the preliminary damage assessment process begins.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for 14 counties in Downstate New York on September 2, 2021, which includes Dutchess County and was approved by President Biden on September 3, 2021. This provides up to $5 Million in immediate federal funding to support response operations ahead of Completion of FEMA Damage Assessments, according to Governor Hochul’s press release.
Also included in her report was and update that DEC Staff continue to monitor for potential damage to wastewater infrastructure, respond to reports of petroleum spills and survey integrity of dams and levees.
As of Governor Hochul’s press release on September 3, 2021, road closures persist on U.S. Route 9, State Route 100, and the Saw Mill River Parkway in Westchester County.
Service on Metro-North's Hudson Line and New Canaan and Danbury Branches Remain suspended.
While compensation is not guaranteed, according to the press release issued by the County Executive's office on Friday (9/3/2021), if the County’s and New York State’s public damage assessment threshold is met, then Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) individual Assistance, financial assistance and direct services to eligible uninsured and underinsured individuals and households can be considered.
As part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Aid process, the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response is currently communicating with chief elected officials from each municipality, in an effort to gather cost estimates on public property and infrastructure damages.
The Dutchess County Executive’s Office stated that they reached out to local mayors and supervisors in different communities to ask for contact information for local businesses affected by the storm to assist in connecting them with FEMA in the event the federal government approved disaster assistance for small businesses.
In Beacon, the comparable city leaders would be Beacon's Mayor Lee Kyriacou (mayor@beaconny.gov 845-838-5011) and the City Administrator is Chris White (845-838-5009 cwhite@beaconny.gov)
How To Begin To Prepare To Qualify
The County Executive recommends residents, businesses and municipalities that experienced a loss as a result of Ida take the following steps to document their damage:
Take photos of their loss or damage
Assemble a list of damaged or lost items
Collect receipts for materials they purchased to repair damage caused by Ida
County Executive Molinaro said, “Though Ida has passed Dutchess County, her impact will be felt for weeks or, in some cases, even longer as some residents, businesses and municipalities in our community look to rebuild following this damaging storm. I urge those affected to take steps to document the storm’s impact. Such evidence will bolster their application for reimbursement from New York State, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other possible sources.”
The press release stated that The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is also contacting its membership, and the County Executive’s Office is coordinating outreach through other business associations to identify businesses affected by Ida.
State of Emergency Declared for Dutchess County During Hurricane Ida's Rain And Flash Flood Warnings
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The Fishkill Creek after Tropical Storm Henri. ALBB hasn’t left the house yet to see it after the remnants of Category 4 Huricane Ida.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
In the early hours of Thursday morning at 2am, during the day-long rainfall in the northeast from Hurricane Ida that devestated several communities in southern states, the office of Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro declared a State of Emergency for Dutchess County until 9am Thursday. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for New York just after midnight, as did the state of New Jersey. Flights out of major airports in New York and New Jersey were suspended and all airport parking lots closed due to severe flooding, The Port Authority said.
For Dutchess County, the National Weather Service issued River Flood Warnings from Thursday 4:31am until Friday 8:33pm flood warnings for Wappingers Creek, comparing it to a crest level last seen on 4/3/1970, stating: “Flood Warning for the Wappingers Creek at Wappingers Falls. From late tonight to Friday evening. At 10:30pm Wednesday, the stage was 5.0 feet. Flood stage is 8.0 feet. Minor flooding is forecast. Forecast…The river is expected to ries above flood stage late tonight to a crest of 9.7 feet early tomorrow afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage early Friday afternoon. Impact…at 10.0 feet, Moderate flood stage. Flood History…This crest compares to a previous crest of 9.6 feet on 4/3/1970.”
Per the emergency state, Dutchess County restricted non-essential travel in 16 municipalities until 9 a.m. Public transportation schedule remained normal. Counties under the travel restriction were: Amenia, Pleasant Valley, Dover, Washington, Millbrook, Town of Poughkeepise, City of Poughkeepsie, LaGrange, Union Vale, Wappinger, Wappingers Falls, Beekman, Town of Pawling, Village of Pawling, East Fishkill and Village of Fishkill.
County offices opened at 10 a.m. In Beacon, the 4-school elementary school supply drop-off where kids can briefly meet their teachers when dropping off school supplies was adjusted by a short time, and parents were advised that some teachers may not have been able to travel in.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said that remnants of Hurricane Ida caused flooding, as well as downed trees and wires throughout portions of Dutchess County. The Dutchess County Emergency Operation Center has been activated and continues to monitor the storm and provide resources as needed. The Dutchess County Emergency Operations Center will remain open throughout the day to continue to address storm issues.
Roadway Flooding In Dutchess County
Flooding included rushing water from the mountains, as well as creeks and rivers. “NYS Route 9, Town of Fishkill - near Clove Road, roadway partially closed due to water running off the mountain and across the roadway,” Molinaro tweeted. “CR-28, Town of Wappinger - Old Hopewell Road, east of Route 9, in the construction zone is flooding and hazardous due to significant water on the roadway. CR-111, Town of Washington - near the monument, now closed due to roadway flooding,” he cautioned in another tweet.
Flooding elsewhere in the region caused swift rescues of people in cars and on foot in small towns such as Mamaroneck and Larchmont, which are both located on the coast of New York in Westchester County.
Abandoned cars on the southbound side of the Saw Mill Parkway, near Yonkers and the Bronx.
Photo Credit: Mark Vergar/The Journal News
Flooding In New York City and Queens
Flash flooding took over parts of Manhattan and Queens, according to several reports including AlJazeera.
Video of water rushing into the NY Subway along 7th Avenue at the 28th Street stop.
Photo Credit: AlJazeera screenshot of video.
The flooding from the rainfall from the Category 4 Hurricane Ida caught some in the northeast offguard, where there were more warnings issued for Tropical Storm Henri. According to AlJazeera, “the National Weather Service said it recorded 8 cm (3.15 inches) of rain in New York’s Central Park in one hour Wednesday night, far surpassing the 4.9 cm (1.94 inches) that fell in one hour during Tropical Storm Henri on the night of August 21 – believed at the time to be the most ever recorded in the iconic park.”
Some Beaconites were caught in the Queens flash flooding in Ridgewood and Middle Village, with nowhere to go in all directions. Dutchess County Emergency Management urges everyone to not drive through water on a road, with this ryhme: “Turn Around. Don’t Drown.”
If you have pictures of areas in your part of Beacon or surrounding areas that you want to share to document how Beacon fared, email them to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. We cannot pay for pictures this round, but appreciate your contributions.
Wishing safety for all.
Governor Hochul Makes Funding For COVID-19 Testing In Schools; Mask Mandate For Schools; Possible Vaccine Mandate For School Employees
/Days after being sworn in as New York’s Governor on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul issued new directives for schools in New York. These include:
Directed Department of Health to institute Universal Mask Requirement in all schools (public and private)
Began pursuing options to mandate vaccines for school employees
Launched COVID-19 Testing in Schools Program using $585 Million in federal funds in partnership with counties and BOCES
Established Additional Back-to-School Testing Program in Partnership with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rite Aid and BioReference
Acquired Millions of Masks for Students and Educators
Masking Mandate
While masking is generally accepted by Beaconites, some parents have indicated objection in social media and on reopening planning calls with Beacon City School Districts (BCSD) Superintendent, Dr. Landahl. He delivered his first reopening presentation on August 13, 2021, and is slated to present again via video call this evening with updated or clarified guidance based on New York State’s new guidance (read the slides here).
In response to this mask mandate, Dr. Landahl provided clarification on Mask Breaks, stating: “Universal Masking is now required by the state for staff and students in schools. Mask breaks will either be outside, or when students are separated from other individuals by 6 feet and under the guidance of a staff member for a brief amount of time.” Masking outdoors is not required by New York State at this time, and BCSD is following that guidance.
According to Governor Hochul’s press release, New York State has available more than 4.3 million child-sized clothed face masks, about 10 million adult-sized clothed face masks and almost 55 million non-surgical face masks to provide to students and teachers in schools across the state.
Possible Vaccine Requirement For School Staff
Said Governor Hochul in a press release: “As Governor, my priorities are now the priorities of the people of New York - and right now that means fighting the Delta variant," she said. "My number one priority is getting children back to school and protecting the environment so they can learn safely. I am immediately directing the Department of Health to institute universal masking for anyone entering our schools, and we are launching a Back to School COVID-19 testing program to make testing for students and staff widely available and convenient. We are also working to require vaccinations for all school personnel with an option to test out weekly, and we are going to accomplish all of this by working in partnership with all levels of government."
In response to the proposed vaccine requirement, Dr. Landahl is preparing to follow through with requiring vaccinated staff to test weekly. He stated: “Governor Hochul is preparing to announce a vaccine or testing requirement for all school staff. I am hearing that this will be announced in the next few days. If it becomes law, all unvaccinated staff will be required to undergo weekly testing.” Dr. Landahl stated in his 8/13/2021 presentation that is is strongly supportive of this vaccination.
COVID-19 Testing Accessibility
According to Governor Hochul’s press release, to help ensure testing is available to students as they return to school, Governor Hochul is using $335 million in federal funds to launch a new COVID-19 Testing in Schools Program in partnership with local health departments and BOCES in New York State outside of New York City. In addition, New York City has received $251 million directly to initiate a COVID-19 Testing in Schools Program there, for a total of $585 million in federal funding in New York State to support these programs.
This is a huge development, as getting required testing for kids is time consuming, and challenging with different health insurances. Testing, at this time, is not free like the vaccine. Unless via a federal or state funded school opportunity such as this.
Governor Hochul also launched an additional back-to-school COVID-19 testing program in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rite Aid and BioReference to make testing more widely available for New York State public school students before the start of the 2021-2022 school year.
Active COVID-19 Cases Top 800 In Dutchess County - Numbers For The End Of August
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As we go about making choices in our everyday lives during the pandemic and rising impact of the Delta varient, knowing the numbers of our community and surrounding communities can help. To give context, at the end of June 2021, there were 56 Active Cases of COVID-19 in Dutchess County, as reported by Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro during his first video Town Hall in response to other counties sending out public health alerts to the rising numbers on August 18, 2021. This week, the number of Active Cases exceeded 800 twice.
Also on the the day that the first Town Hall was broadcast, the Department of Health and Human Services made a joint statement with the CDC and other medical experts that it was preparing to roll out a 3rd Booster shot later in September, to be taken 8 months after the last shot of the first full vaccine series.
Since then, Dutchess County Executive Molinaro has made a second video Town Hall presentation on August 27, 2021 where he presented more data in context. It should be noted, that the County Executive stated that hospitals in Dutchess County have told him that they are concerned with the current number of COVID-19 hospitalizations (around 29 people hospitalized for COVID-19 at the time), as it stresses their entire system. Since stating that, the number reached 41 people hospitalized recently.
Giving context for the Positivity Rate Percentage: In June 2021, that percentage was .28%. One month later at the end of August, the number spiked to the 4.5% range. Other states that are currently fighting many more infections have higher percentages, like Florida (20%), and Texas (ranging between 10%-20% who needed to ask FEMA for additional refrigerated morgue trucks).
Currently, hospitalization numbers (people in the hospital) in Dutchess County have been rising to the high 30s. The number of Active Cases in Beacon have been fluctuating in the 30s. In this date range alone (8/18/2021 - 8/30/2021), 7 people in Dutchess County have died from COVID-19 related complications. Indications of vaccinated status is not included in the Dutchess Dashboard at this time, but Dutchess County Executive Molinaro has been providing it verbally in his Town Halls of late.
Peace, love and compassion for people fighting the virus, those who have passed, and to their loved ones. And to any condition anyone is suffering.
Below are the numbers of people impacted for the past few days, as recorded from the Dutchess Dashboard:
COVID-19 Numbers for 8/18/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 732 people
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 28 people
Dutchess County Deaths: 458 people
Dutchess County Positivity Rates:
8/18/21: 4.64%
8/19/21:4.64%
8/20/21: 4.64%
8/22/21: 4.64%
8/24/21: 4.64%
8/26/21: 4.64%
8/27/21: 4.64%
8/28/21: 4.64%
8/29/21: 4.64%
8/30/21: 4.64%
Active Cases By Community:
Beacon: 31 people
Fishkill: 63 people
Fishkill Village <5 people
Poughkeepsie: 106 people
Poughkeepsie City: 140 people
Wappingers Falls: 59 people
Wappingers Falls Village: 20 people
Hyde Park: 49 people
COVID-19 Numbers for 8/19/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 739
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 32
Dutchess County Deaths: 460
Active Cases By Community:
Beacon: 30
Fishkill: 64
Fishkill Village <5
Poughkeepsie: 101
Poughkeepsie City: 133
Wappingers Falls: 61
Wappingers Falls Village: 21
Hyde Park: 50
COVID-19 Numbers for 8/20/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 725
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 28
Dutchess County Deaths: 461
Active Cases By Community:
Beacon: 30
East Fishkill: 64
Fishkill: 56
Fishkill Village 6
Poughkeepsie: 103
Poughkeepsie City: 131
Wappingers Falls: 56
Wappingers Falls Village: 19
Hyde Park: 56
COVID-19 Numbers for 8/22/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 793
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 36
Dutchess County Deaths: 462
Active Cases By Community:
Beacon: 32
East Fishkill: 62
Fishkill: 54
Fishkill Village <5
Poughkeepsie: 107
Poughkeepsie City: 130
Wappingers Falls: 60
Wappingers Falls Village: 18
Hyde Park: 50
COVID-19 Numbers for 8/24/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 716
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 39
Dutchess County Deaths: 463
Active Cases By Community:
Beacon: 26
East Fishkill: 66
Fishkill: 74
Fishkill Village: 7
Poughkeepsie: 87
Poughkeepsie City: 128
Wappingers Falls: 51
Wappingers Falls Village: 11
Hyde Park: 50
COVID-19 Numbers for 8/26/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 752
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 39
Dutchess County Deaths: 463
Active Cases By Community:
Beacon: 27
East Fishkill: 65
Fishkill: 72
Fishkill Village: <5
Poughkeepsie: 81
Poughkeepsie City: 126
Wappingers Falls: 50
Wappingers Falls Village: 11
Hyde Park: 50
COVID-19 Numbers for 8/27/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 782
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 41
Dutchess County Deaths: 464
Active Cases By Community:
Beacon: 26
East Fishkill: 79
Fishkill: 85
Fishkill Village: <5
Poughkeepsie: 100
Poughkeepsie City: 132
Wappingers Falls: 48
Wappingers Falls Village: 10
Hyde Park: 51
COVID-19 Numbers for 8/28/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 844
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 39
Dutchess County Deaths: 464
Active Cases By Community:
Beacon: 33
East Fishkill: 89
Fishkill: 82
Fishkill Village: 7
Poughkeepsie: 115
Poughkeepsie City: 127
Wappingers Falls: 55
Wappingers Falls Village: 12
Hyde Park: 56
COVID-19 Numbers for 8/29/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 878
Dutchess County Hospitalization: 36
Dutchess County Deaths: 464
Active Cases By Community:
Beacon: 38
East Fishkill: 91
Fishkill: 84
Fishkill Village: 7
Poughkeepsie: 109
Poughkeepsie City: 128
Wappingers Falls: 56
Wappingers Falls Village: 11
Hyde Park: 57
COVID-19 Numbers for 8/30/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 750
Dutchess County Hospitalization: 39
Dutchess County Deaths: 465
Active Cases By Community:
Beacon: 30
East Fishkill: 77
Fishkill: 74
Fishkill Village: <5
Poughkeepsie: 90
Poughkeepsie City: 116
Wappingers Falls: 44
Wappingers Falls Village: 10
Hyde Park: 45
Only 56% Of Dutchess County Residents Are Fully Vaccinated; HHS Prepared To Roll Out Booster 8 Months From Initial Vaccination
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As numbers and percentages continue to be the driving force of the pandemic used to justify decisions, there is one metric that has been quoted more often than its sibling metric: the percentage of the Dutchess County population 18+ who have received one of two vaccination doses (73.6% as of 8/28/2021), vs the percentage of people who have received two of the two doses of their vaccine (56.67%).
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a joint statement with Medical Experts on August 18, 2021 including the CDC that stated their study of vaccinations wearing off and needing a booster shot. The statement did not detail if those who only had one dose of their vaccination were at greater risk for losing amounts of protection. The statement alluded to fully vaccinated people.
The HHS statement detailed: “The available data make very clear that protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection begins to decrease over time following the initial doses of vaccination, and in association with the dominance of the Delta variant, we are starting to see evidence of reduced protection against mild and moderate disease. Based on our latest assessment, the current protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death could diminish in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout.”
Community Protection Is Key
The CDC stressed on July 27, 2021 that as long as the community was not fully vaccinated, reduced risk of transmission would be difficult: “A growing body of evidence indicates that people fully vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) are less likely than unvaccinated persons to acquire SARS-CoV-2 or to transmit it to others. However, the risk for SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection in fully vaccinated people cannot be completely eliminated as long as there is continued community transmission of the virus.
44% Of Dutchess County Not Fully Vaccinated
While it is important to celebrate the accomplishment of half the population of Dutchess County being fully vaccinated, 44% of people traveling throughout the county and into neighboring counties is a lot of people. People may assume that a friend of theirs is vaccinated, and may assume incorrectly. While some industries are requiring vaccinations in order to return to work, some employees are opting to work from home to avoid that mandate. Others, like this soap opera star who is openly against vaccinating, are one such example. As of today, actors are not required by their union to vaccinate in order to work on set with other vaccinated people.
The Booster Shot Preparation 8 Months After Initial Vaccine Series
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is preparing for all Americans get the 3rd shot booster, according to their August 19, 2021 statement. HHS stated that they are awaiting data for the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine, but anticipates that boosters will be needed for that group as well.
From their statement : “We have developed a plan to begin offering these booster shots this fall subject to FDA conducting an independent evaluation and determination of the safety and effectiveness of a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines and CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issuing booster dose recommendations based on a thorough review of the evidence. We are prepared to offer booster shots for all Americans beginning the week of September 20 and starting 8 months after an individual’s second dose. At that time, the individuals who were fully vaccinated earliest in the vaccination rollout, including many health care providers, nursing home residents, and other seniors, will likely be eligible for a booster. We would also begin efforts to deliver booster shots directly to residents of long-term care facilities at that time, given the distribution of vaccines to this population early in the vaccine rollout and the continued increased risk that COVID-19 poses to them.”
For example, if you got your full vaccination sequence with your second shot on April 27th 2021, you would get a third booster shot on or around December 27th. Which happens to be the one year anniversary date of this blogger’s quarantine release date from recovering from actual COVID-19! Would not wish the actual virus to be in anyone. See you in the booster shot line.
Majority Of Hospitalizations Are Non Or Partially-Vaccinated People
Photo Credit: Screenshot of the Dutchess County Dashboard taken on 8/30/21, reflecting numbers from 8/28/2021.
County Executive Marcus Molinaro offered new vaccinated segmented data on his Facebook Live update on Friday, August 27th, 2021. The County Executive’s Communication Director, Colleen Pillus, confirmed with ALBB this data:
Hospital Demographics 7-day average (8/15-8/21)
29 patients on average [in the hospital]
76% [people] partially or not vaccinated vs. 24% [people] fully vaccinated on average
The HHS and group of experts who signed the statement maintains that vaccinating is a highly recommended mode of protection, by elaborating: “Our top priority remains staying ahead of the virus and protecting the American people from COVID-19 with safe, effective, and long-lasting vaccines especially in the context of a constantly changing virus and epidemiologic landscape. We will continue to follow the science on a daily basis, and we are prepared to modify this plan should new data emerge that requires it.”
In terms of vaccinated vs unvaccinated, HHS continued: “We also want to emphasize the ongoing urgency of vaccinating the unvaccinated in the U.S. and around the world. Nearly all the cases of severe disease, hospitalization, and death continue to occur among those not yet vaccinated at all.”
As of August 28, 2021, there are 844 Active Cases of COVID-19 in Dutchess County. That is a 4.57% positivity rate, according to the Dutchess Dashboard, which changes daily.
To get vaccinated for the first time, visit the Dutchess County Vaccination page.
86% Of Hospitalized COVID-19 Cases In Dutchess County Are Non-Vaccinated People; Hospitalizations Rising - Hospitals Explain Why That Is Challenging Their System
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On August 18th, 2021, days after Sullivan and Orange Counties issued public health alarms about the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, prompting them to put into place a preventative mask measure to slow the spread of COVID-19 in their regions, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro delivered a video presentation via Facebook addressing the rise of cases over the summer a week after warnings in neighboring counties.
When last he gave a video presentation at the end of June 2021, there were 56 Active Cases in Dutchess County. By August 18th, 2021, just over a month later, there were 726. The number remains between 700-800 Active Cases today.
“Those who are seeing more severe cases and are coming to a hospital setting are overwhelmingly not vaccinated.”
Currently, he reported, there are 60-93 new cases each day of COVID-19 in Dutchess County. Whereas before, in June, there were 1-4 new cases each day. “None of these data-points individually would cause us to sound an alarm,” he said. “But collectively, we want to monitor those things.” With press releases coming out of the County Executive’s Office weekly about accomplishments including monies designated for grants, a new mental health website, agricultural spotlights, etc., no press release was sent about this spike from 56 to 726 new Active COVID-19 Cases in Dutchess County from June to August.
After Sullivan County mandated that all people in county buildings must wear masks, and Orange County strongly recommended that all residents wear masks indoors, ALBB reached out to the County Executive’s office on August 16th to inquire if Dutchess County or their Health Department had made similar announcements, but received no reply. Days later on August 18th, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro delivered his first COVID-19 update video. A week after that, the Dutchess County Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH), Dr. Anil Vaidian MD, resigned, thanking the county for the opportunity to have worked for them.
Positivity Rate Rises To 4.8% (August) From .28% (June)
"Today we are at a 4.8% positivity rate. Not a 'transmission rate' this is a 'positivity rate,’” County Executive Molinaro explained, and then continued to give a reference point: “At the end of June, we were at .28% transmission rate. We are now at 4.8%." ALBB has confirmed with the County Executive’s office that the quoted .28% transmission rate was indeed referencing the positivity rate.
86% Hospitalized With COVID-19 in Dutchess County Are Not Vaccinated; 77% of Active Cases Are Not Vaccinated
County Executive Molinaro released hospital data not included in the Dutchess Dashboard that presents tracked COVID-19 data, confirming that 86% of those hospitalized in Dutchess County are not vaccinated. "Those who are seeing more severe cases and are coming to a hospital setting are overwhelmingly not vaccinated."
As for Active Cases, according to the data collected by Dutchess County Contact Tracers, who personally call people with Active Cases to check in on them to learn about transmission patterns, 77% of people recovering from COVID-19 told Contact Tracers that they were not vaccinated, County Executive Molinaro said.
Hospitals In Dutchess County Are Concerned And Explain Why 28 COVID-19 Hospitalizations In 1 Month Is Too Much
“Not every particular hospital room is built to contain an airborne virus of this kind. As those rooms fill up, hospitals have to use other rooms. As those rooms fill up, hospitals have to use other rooms. Use of those rooms might close down a whole floor.”
With 60-93 new Active Cases a day, and 8 new hospitalizations in a week, County Executive Molinaro exclaimed: “That is a pace that is of concern to all of us, in the public health world and in the health care world.” He went on to explain why the number of 28 hospitalizations in 1 month stresses the hospital system in Dutchess County, by explaining that not all hospital rooms are designed to entrap an airborn virus.
"The growth in hospitalization is what puts pressure on the health care system. There are several hundred beds that might be available in the region. That is true. Keep in mind that not every room in every hospital is protected in a way that would prevent an airborne virus - a virus that travels in the way that this does - to escape the room,” he stated. “Not every particular hospital room is built to contain an airborne virus of this kind. As those rooms fill up, hospitals have to use other rooms. Use of those rooms might close down a whole floor."
He went on to explain that hospitals have voiced concern: "Our health care providers - our hospitals - with whom we are on calls with every week - they have a level of concern about the transmission among individuals, visitors who come into the hospital, visitors to staff, and then those staff members have to isolate. Those become big challenges for health care providers."
As of 8/18/2021, in the last 10 days, 9 Dutchess County residents have lost their life to the virus, the County Executive said. “There are severe cases, and those severe cases are taking some lives." Later in the presentation, Molinaro said: "The severity of the cases have been on the incline.”
County Executive Molinaro ended with a push to get vaccinated, walking a middle line between encouragement and recommendation: "We encourage you to choose to get vaccinated. I hope that you will. We encourage you to get the answers to the questions you may have."
Where To Get Vaccinated In Beacon
Vaccinations are free, and available at the new Beacon Wellness Pharmacy on Main Street. An appointment is necessary to make on their website. Sun River Health on Henry Street is now vaccinating any person, not just current patients. Dutchess County is offering home services to those in need. Castle Point is offering a driving service for Veterans to be driven to an appointment, and is looking for volunteers to drive. Details for all of these locations is at the Dutchess County vaccination page.
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HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
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Stepping Down: Dr. Anil Vaidian MD, Dutchess County's Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH)
/Dr. Anil Vaidian MD, Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH) for Dutchess County, is stepping down after 4 years of service. Dr. Vaidian made public appearances in the winter of the pandemic 2020, making himself available to communicative opportunities like “Current Conversations” with the Highlands Current in November, 2020. He made a few other appearances on the Dutchess County Facebook page via video.
In 2021, once the COVID-19 numbers decreased in Dutchess County, Dr. Vaidian was less in the public eye. For the latest COVID-19 increase due to the Delta varient, Dutchess County did not immediately make an public health alert, when Orange and Sullivan Counties did. Days later, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro did make an COVID-19 update via the County’s Facebook page. Dr. Vaidian was not part of that announcement.
As a point of interest as it relates to Beacon, the City of Beacon’s former City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero, left his Administrator position in Beacon to take the position of Assistant Commissioner of Administration with the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health.
The press release from Dutchess County is below in full:
Dutchess County Commissioner of
Behavioral and Community Health to Step Down
Poughkeepsie, NY… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro announced today that Anil Vaidian MD, MPH will step down as the Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH) following a four year plus tenure dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Vaidian’s resignation is effective Friday, September 10th, 2021.
Dr. Vaidian joined the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health in April 2017, following more than 13 years of local county public health service at the Rockland County Department of Health and Westchester County Government’s Division of Disease Control.
Dr. Vaidian’s decades of experience as an infectious disease specialist has been crucial as he has notably led the Department of Behavioral & Community Health team as they have continued to deal with the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, which has consumed public health professionals since January 2020. Dr. Vaidian has been at the forefront of the County’s efforts, providing public health guidance to the community from the initial press conference announcing the first positive case in March 2020, to hundreds of conference calls with community leaders, hospital and healthcare professionals, school district leaders, faith-based organizations as well as virtual town hall updates and videos for the public over the past 17 months.
Dr. Vaidian said, “It has been my blessed good fortune to work along with and besides such wonderful staff and colleagues dedicated to highest standards of public health and community service. I am grateful to County Executive Molinaro for the opportunity to work this talented team of people. I will miss the enthusiasm, perseverance, and unrelenting pursuit of DBCH’s mission: To protect, promote, and improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of our community. Despite the long hours and everchanging circumstances, their unwavering commitment to that mission has been evident each and every day during this battle against COVID-19 as we have sought to inform and protect our residents. I know the entire DBCH organization will continue to be successful in serving our community’s well-being.”
County Executive Molinaro said, “Dutchess County is a healthier community due to the four-plus years Dr. Vaidian served as our health commissioner. Faced with a pandemic the likes of which we’ve never seen in our lifetimes, Dr. Vaidian oversaw our county health department through its most challenging times in memory, using his infectious disease expertise to inform and educate our residents while formulating public health guidance to protect them. I thank Dr. Vaidian for his service to Dutchess County, and look forward to finding a similarly competent leader to guide the dedicated and talented DBCH staff for years to come.”
The County will begin an executive search for an individual with the necessary combination of management skill and clinical knowledge to serve as Commissioner. An Acting Commissioner from within the Department of Behavioral and Community Health will be appointed by County Executive Molinaro in September, pending approval by the New York State Department of Health.
Compass Arts Announces Last InterConnected Event - Poetry In The Park - This Thursday
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Join The Poet Gold for a solo performance of spoken word and poetry that speaks to the hearts of humanity on issues of facing our fears, our truths, social justice, building bridges, and triumphing through hope and love.
When: Thursday, August 26, 2021 (rain date September 2)
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: South Avenue Park, Beacon NY
Musical accompaniment by award-winning violinist Gwen Laster and Damon Banks on bass.
Poetry collage kits designed by Romina Robinson, using the words of Poet Gold will be available as a self-guided activity before the performance.
This is a BYOS event! Bring your own SCISSORS!
The kits will have everything to make a collage, including a glue stick, but we invite you to bring a pair of scissors in order to truly customize your piece.
8/20/2021 COVID-19 Active Cases Beacon, Fishkill, Wappingers, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County
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Photo Credit: Screenshot on 8/20/2021 of the Dutchess County Dashboard
We are bringing back the COVID-19 Tracking articles while we stay mindful of what is going on with transmission and positivity rates, and the possible waning efficacy of the vaccination that 55% of residents did take all doses of in Dutchess County. As the virus was declining, in June 2021, there were 56 Active Cases in Dutchess County. On August 18, 2021, there are 732 Active Cases in Dutchess County, according to Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro during an address he delivered via Facebook. Today, there are 30 Active Cases in Beacon. Dutchess County is considered to be in a “High Transmission Rate” according to the CDC.
“56 Active Cases in Dutchess County in June 2021
732 Active Cases in Dutchess County on August 18, 2021”
As the Delta variant thrives in other states A Little Beacon Blog is starting to track the COVID-19 numbers again. You can track it 24/7 by visiting the Dutchess County Dashboard here. Readers have asked a few questions since the last time we were tracking this in May 2020. Those questions and answers are below:
What used to be the high Active Case Count in Beacon?
At one point in mid May 2020, there were 146 Active Cases in Beacon. Active Cases hovered in the 130s for a bit, and then the gradual decline began.What was happening by May 2020?
Well, as of March 2020, restaurants had been shut down. They began selling booze-to-go on March 17, 2020, according to Eater NY. By May, there were calls to open outdoor dining. By June, outdoor dining was approved in New York, and Beacon introduced “parklets” for people to dine in parking spots. Also according to Eater NY, on March 25, 2020: “The pioneering, Mumbai-born Chef Floyd Cardoz dies. He was one of the first major figures in the NYC food world to die from complications related to COVID-19. In the months that followed, the staggering toll the virus took on the city included the deaths of dozens of hospitality industry workers, chefs, and restaurant owners.”Are Active COVID-19 Hospital Cases separated by Vaccinated or Non-Vaccinated?
According to Dutchess County Communication Director Colleen T. Pillus in response to ALBB’s question: “Our dashboard does not separate out vaccinated/non-vaccinated in the hospital count at this time.” However, Dutchess County does have the information, as noted in a 8/18/2021 address to residents by Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro.Do we know the number of people who have died due to COVID-19 complications in Beacon?
According to Dutchess County Communication Director Colleen T. Pillus in response to ALBB’s question: “We do not publish mortality numbers by municipality.”
“Long-Haul COVID” is not tracked in the Dutchess County Dashboard.
”Long-Haul COVID” is a condition that develops in some people after they first contract the virus. People who have it speak of fatigue lasting for months, pain, and other compromising symptoms. Beacon’s Councilperson Air Nonken Rhodes began speaking openly about their own life with long-haul symptoms, which you can read about here.
COVID-19 Case Numbers
8/18/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 732
Dutchess County Deaths: 458
Dutchess County Hospitalized: 28
Beacon Active Cases: 31
Fishkill Active Cases: 63
Fishkill Village Active Cases: <5
Poughkeepsie Active Cases: 106
Poughkeepsie City Active Cases: 140
Wappinger Active Cases: 59
Wappingers Falls Village: 20
Hyde Park Active Cases: 49
8/19/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 739
Dutchess County Deaths: 460
Dutchess County Hospitalized: 32
Beacon Active Cases: 30
Fishkill Active Cases: 64
Fishkill Village Active Cases: <5
Poughkeepsie Active Cases: 101
Poughkeepsie City Active Cases: 133
Wappinger Active Cases: 61
Wappingers Falls Village: 21
Hyde Park Active Cases: 50
8/20/2021
Dutchess County Active Cases: 725
Dutchess County Deaths: 461
Dutchess County Hospitalized: 28
Beacon Active Cases: 30
East Fishkill Active Cases: 64
Fishkill Active Cases: 56
Fishkill Village Active Cases: 6
Poughkeepsie Active Cases: 103
Poughkeepsie City Active Cases: 131
Wappinger Active Cases: 56
Wappingers Falls Village: 19
Hyde Park Active Cases: 46
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HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
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Reminder On Comment Etiquette During COVID Times - What Comments Will Be Deleted
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Hello,
We are reaching a temperature in the world where patience is running thin, for many numbers of reasons. As A Little Beacon Blog covers COVID news, the articles that present facts may generate emotions - from all people. Hearing from each other and learning from each other is very important. As important as it is reading multiple media outlets and scientific studies to educate yourself to make informed decisions. We are taking this time to revisit the Comment Policy at A Little Beacon Blog, and add to it.
Comments that are wildly inappropriate will be deleted from social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook), and may not be published here at the blog. All comments here at the blog require our approval first before showing up. Just like how Letters to the Editor require approval from a newspaper before being published in print.
Comment Policy For COVID Times
Critical Comments: While an audience may follow and support a publication or shop at a store, a person from the audience may disagree with that publication or store on some matters. Speaking about this is healthy and at times, helpful. It can encourage a useful debate that can impact change. While it is hard to take criticism, it sometimes needs to be said. Do be mindful of how you are saying it in public. Consider if it is best said directly to the company or person you are trying to influence.
Name Calling etc. “libtard”: During these times, the term “libtard” has been used a lot. This term is insulting to people who are developmentally different, and are able to think in more beautiful ways than many people can think. If the term “libtard” is used, the comment will be deleted without question. No matter if a good point was made in it.
Throwing Spite, “Hate”: If comments include sentences like “you are showing your hateful face,” they will be deleted. There are better, more effective ways you can say this.
Misinformation: If you are stating a theory, and if you are stating it as fact, it might be deleted. Providing a URL link is useful so that people can follow what you are talking about. If this is your own idea that has never been published, then please indicate that. One never knows where the next great idea comes from.
Comments With Misinformation That Are Kept: There are times where a comment that is smearing something or someone, or casting doubt on something or someone, is kept and not deleted. This may be for a variety of reasons:
The person is aggressive, and deleting them will only make it worse and cause them to post more.
The person is semi-right, even if others don’t want to believe that.
Especially during COVID, there are different theories and studies being cited. There may be a study that is driving the thought process of a group of people. If another person has an answer that disagrees with that study, or reveals that the authors of the study, for instance, found problems with their own study, it is useful for other readers to know about that. Out in real life and on other platforms with comments, as these things are being discussed, it is useful to know what others found regarding disproving a theory, or proving a theory.
Comments Used In Quotes: If you say something in Comments, either as your business account, or as your personal account, your comment may be used in an article. This may surprise you if you leave a sarcastic comment, where, for instance, when people are complaining about traffic, and you want to make a point about how people get upset about police enforcement and instead you think that the police should hand out lollipops and hold balloons, we may quote you on that as an actual good idea. While you may have said it with sarcasm, we may use it, and attribute it to your business and name. Any comment left on an ALBB space, which are public and not private groups, is eligible for being used in an article elsewhere with attribution to your name and business.
Life: We are at a point now in the pandemic, where we need people to live a healthy life. That is the end goal. We want to live happy lives, and we can do so while armed with information so that we can make safe choices that maintain and allow for our happiness. Please remember that in your tone. Even if you are upset at a group of people who have made a choice that can negatively impact your life. If that is the case, a different tact needs to be taken in order to change their minds.
Repeating Yourself: If you repeat yourself to one person, or several people, too many times, as in, you made your point now move along, your subsequent comments may be deleted.
Wishing Ill-Will: If you wish someone ill-will, like by saying that a group of people should not go to the hospital, your comment very well may be deleted. There are times when nurses and other medical professionals respond to comments like that with useful, supportive statements, saying how they value all lives. That would be an example of why a comment like that is left. If you repeat yourself after saying it once, your comment may be deleted.
No Notice Of Deletion: If your comment is deleted, you will not be notified by ALBB. If you notice that your comment disappeared, and you want to ask us about it, you can, and we will tell you that it was deleted.
We Can All Be “Got”: Every single one of us, myself included, can have the best of us gotten. We can snap, lose our temper, and let out our harshest, sharpest tongue. Sometimes it’s needed. Sometimes we can take a moment to walk away, step outside, touch a tree to feel nature, and re-calibrate perspective.
Turning Comments Off: Comments will only be turned off for a post when it goes on for so long; no more good points are being made; only slingshots of mud, ill-will or unease. It takes time to moderate comments. If we lack this time, because we are researching other articles or being with our family, then the comments will be shut off.
Honestly, very few comments are deleted on ALBB. People generally are considerate to each other in this space. Thank you so much for creating and honoring that type of space. This publication does not benefit from comments. We don’t seek them out. We don’t play comment contest games, none of that. We do know the value of comments in algorithms, and honestly believe that it’s a shame that algorithms work that way. We just want to get you information.
Thank you for reading.
Dutchess County In "High Transmission" AKA Active Cases of COVID; Beacon's Numbers Rise
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Summer is over. COVID is here. Delta is driving it (like in India, and 99% in the UK), and that variant is only the current variant. Like a hurricane, COVID mutates and spins off different variants that scientists may or may not have seen under their microscopes as they look for predictions as to what comes next in this pandemic. Delta is breaking through the vaccinations, but the vaccinations seem to be holding it at bay for the most part for the people who vaxed. If you were hitting the snooze button on COVID, this is your wake-up alarm bell.
The Director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins, told Fox News Sunday (8/15/2021) as quoted by CNN: "That was January, February, that shouldn't be August. But here we are with the Delta variant, which is so contagious, and this heartbreaking situation where 90 million people are still unvaccinated, who are sitting ducks for this virus, and that's the mess we're in."
According to that CNN article on 8/15/2021, “the rate of new hospitalizations among people in their 30s increased by nearly 300% over the past month, according to an analysis of data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New Covid-19 hospital admissions among people in their 30s are now the highest since the pandemic began, according to the data.”
On a personal note, in this week alone, every time I call my mom to ask her a question about the weather, she informs me of a new friend of hers who is infected or in the ICU. There are 10 in her acquaintance sphere alone, 3 of whom are in the ICU.
The CDC’s Evolving Guidance
On July 27, 2021, the CDC updated their information to include mask guidance for what to do indoors. In the olden days (June 2021), the guidance was the reward of taking the mask off if you were vaccinated. Turns out that was bad advice, or advice that is bad if only 50% of this country is vaccinated, while most of the world is also not vaccinated, and the virus mutates and essentially causes another tsunami of active cases.
Plus, of those vaccinated, how long the vaccination efficacy lasts before a booster is needed. Which was just announced today, that 3rd shots would be approved 8 months after for those already vaccinated.
Perhaps this vaccination is like an allergy pill? Or cortisone shot? Works for limited time, and then you get it again? The Whooping Cough vaccination works that way, although years are between its doses.
COVID In Dutchess County; Definition of “High Transmission”
Today is August 17, 2021, and on August 14, 2021, ALBB posted a picture in Instagram of what may now be an outdated sign in a business storefront window. The sign read that all employees were vaccinated, and that if you were too, you could be mask-off. This was a positive sign for getting vaccinated, as not all business owners in Beacon are vaccinated, but was a discouraging sign for masks, during a time when Delta is now officially raging.
A reader saw the post, and sounded the alarm. They directed us to this CDC link, which says this about masking: “If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.”
The words “substantial or high transmission” are linked to in the definition, and seem to be key words here. People who think very literally may interpret “high transmission” to mean: “a small room with lots of people where the virus could spread shoulder to shoulder.” Turns out, “high transmission” is the equivelent to “Active Cases” on the old-not-old COVID trackers. It means, if a lot of people in your area are infected with new cases of COVID. Dutchess County is one such county that is “high transmission.”
Red indicates areas where there are a lot of Active Cases, aka “High Transmission.” This illustration, from 8/14/2021 show that it is the entire country, minus those little blue dots.
Photo Credit: CDC
You’ve seen the memes and illustrations of the United States being all red, for “high transmission.” It means the country is on fire with new Active Cases. According to the Dutchess County Tracker, as of today, there are 732 Active Cases in Dutchess County, and 31 in Beacon. In the original raging days of COVID-19, 31 in Beacon was kind of a high number. Yesterday it was 27.
The Dashboard does not indicate if these are breakthrough cases, cases with the unvaccinated, or children under 12 years who cannot vaccinate yet.
Dutchess County has not issued a warning or alert. ALBB reached out to the Dutchess County Executive’s Office yesterday for comment, after Sullivan and Orange Counties issued strong mask advisories, but Dutchess County has not responded yet.
Vaccination rates in Dutchess County are 55% for fully vaccinated people, which means, people who have completed the required amount of shots for their vaccine brand. While the county does tout a more impressive rate of 71%, that is for people who have taken at least one dose. Time will tell how these percentages will change once the Boosters become the norm, and dashboards will need to track when people get their 3rd (and 4th, and 5th?) shots.
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The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.